Ames test
noun
a test that exposes a strain of bacteria to a chemical compound in order to determine the mutagenic potential of the compound.
Origin of Ames test
1975–80; after U.S. biochemist Bruce N.
Ames (born 1928), who developed the test
British Dictionary definitions for ames test
Ames test
/ (eɪmz) /
noun
a method of preliminary screening for carcinogens, based on their ability to cause mutations in bacteria
Word Origin for Ames test
named after Bruce
Ames (born 1928), US biochemist who invented the test
Medical definitions for ames test
Ames test
n.
A test in which strains of Salmonella that are unable to synthesize histidine are introduced into a test substance lacking in histidine. If the strains then regain the ability to synthesize histidine, the substance is considered mutagenic and thus carcinogenic.